Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial

When it was built in 2006, this memorial to Brazzaville's namesake caused quite a stir. De Brazza, an Italian-born Frenchman who persuaded the local king to place his kingdom under French protection, therefore becoming the Congo a French colony, is controversial. Some consider De Brazza to be a humanist, pacifist, and abolitionist who advocated for the abolition of slavery and the mistreatment of Africans. Others claim he was a colonizer like the rest of them and even a rapist.

De Brazza's remains was initially interred in Paris before being relocated to Algeria. However, in 2006, a memorial and mausoleum were built for him in Brazzaville, and his remains were transported here. Initially, most residents avoided the spot, saying that it was a center of black magic and a masonic temple (De Brazza was a freemason). However, the issue appears to have subsided, and locals now flock to the gardens to take selfies. The entrance is free, however, the guard at the gate will ask for your ID and retain it until you exit.

Google rating: 4.3/5.0
Address: Brazzaville, Congo
Phone number: +242 05 532 8740
Official site: N/A